Portland Actors Conservatory celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a "Verona Nights" gala at the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland on Saturday night.

Formal yet fun, the black-tie optional "Verona Nights" was a wonderful chance to see the good works created by the incredible team behind the Portland Actors Conservatory including Producing Artistic Director and Founder Beth Harper.

Harper was, as her friend Tim Stapleton commented during his introduction, the "southern belle of the ball," but in truth Beth beamed more like Cinderella on her big night. And it was a big night for PAC as it has not only survived but thrived for 30 years and counting with Harper there to guide her students all along the way.

PAC's mission is to provide 'rigorous actor training that engages the mind and heart of the artist" and the evening highlighted the positive works of the now three-decade old organization. Following dinner a live auction featuring art, exotic trips, and a walk-on role in a PAC production was held. It culminated with the auctioning off of the enjoyable emcee (actor and PAC alum) Spencer Conway who went out of his way to make sure his "item" would raise big dollars.

Emily Welch

"Romeo & Juliet"

The balcony scene from "Romeo and Juliet" kicked off the evening as the Portland Actors Conservatory celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a "Verona Nights" gala at the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland on Saturday night.

Verona Night Guests

Over 200 guests gathered (including current students and alums) as the Portland Actors Conservatory celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a "Verona Nights" gala at the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland on Saturday night.

Murren and Jeff

PAC actors Murren Kennedy and Jeff Gorham both performed in a recent production of "Romeo and Juliet."

William Shakespeare's played kicked off the night as the Portland Actors Conservatory celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a "Verona Nights" gala at the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland on Saturday night.

Verona Night Gala Guests

PAC Managing Director Janice Shokrian and guests at the VIP party just prior to dinner and live auction for Portland Actors Conservatory 30th Anniversary "Verona Nights" gala at the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland on Saturday night.

Lana and Juan

Just back from an Oscar party in Los Angeles, casting director Lana Veenker visited with Juan Martinez during the cocktail hour as the Portland Actors Conservatory celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a "Verona Nights" gala at the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland on Saturday night.